Master Cleanse 2010 - Day Two

Whew! I made it through Day Two. It is the end of the day and I am winding down. I did boil the distilled water with raw peeled ginger root. It added another kick start to the drink (along with the cayenne pepper) and I found it to be a refreshing drink which I enjoyed drinking. So yeah! I prepared my drink for tomorrow with both the ginger and two cups of mint tea that I made from the distilled water and fresh mint leaves. I tried it out and it tasted really good. What I don't know is the effect that will have on the cleansing process. But it does make this something I can drink for a long term. And I have 8 more days to go so that is a good thing.

Unfortunately though I feel like crap but my body is definitely responding to this break from crazy food. I've had a real craving for fried foods in the last few months so I hope this fast breaks that cycle and I can eat more a more raw, vegan diet. I still love a good steak but if I felt better I could learn to live without it. There are so many great fresh choices in Southern California so I do have options and I love to prepare different things. Right now, I'm going to sign off because this would be the time I had a late night snack with my dog and that is not happening tonight. So pray for me on Day Three which will start in just a few hours...

Prepping for Master Cleanse - Ginger Mint Julip Anyone?

Master Cleanse Mixed Juice With Ginger And Mint



In reading about the Master Cleanse on www.curezone.com, I discovered that some people do prep work before going on the cleanse to prep both the body and mind. I have never done that in my earlier cleanses but since I was changing the recipe this time (substituting Agave Nectar for the Maple Syrup) I decided a little prep time might be beneficial.

I went out and bought my lemons and a few limes as well and the Agave and today I mixed my first batch according to the recipe discussed in the previous blog. I found that I needed to increase the amount of Agave by 1/4 cup, bringing the total to 1 cup for 120 oz., not 3/4 cup as initially described. It still tasted "watered down", something I did not find with the Grade B maple syrup from Dr. Stanley Burroughs' original recipe. Should I make the adjustment now and go back to the tried and true recipe that worked before?

I decided that I will make another batch with a 1/2 cup Agave Nectar and a 1/2 cup Grade B Maple Syrup to see if that makes it taste more substantial. A cousin of mine, Taryn, emailed and said she only lasted 4 days when she tried it so I told her that I would try to also add some zested ginger (using a microplane zester)and see how that affected the taste. Perhaps some crushed mint as well, what do you think? I also find that crushed parley in small amounts can add a depth of flavor without overpowering if done right. I will go back to the lab, (I mean the kitchen) and get started.

I know that if I added other fruit juices this would also give it more flavor but I don't want to change the benefits of using the lemon as the main juice source. I want to stay true to the principles and the idea of the Master Cleanse. But the occasional drop of Angostura Bitters might be a fun addition... So who is going to join me? We start tomorrow....

In Addition

I would just like to say a prayer of thanksgiving for my dog Chachi. He was in the hospital this week for two days for diabetic ketoacidosis. Imagine a small dog on IV meds including insulin and antibiotics fighting to get better. But he is a fighter and he is back home. Thanks to Dr. Heim, Dr. Tanaka and all the support staff at the Animal Medical Center of Southern California.

Master Cleanser Day 7 Evaluation

It is Sunday evening and I've have been fasting now for seven days. This is my third time doing the Master Cleanse and it has been a good learning experience. I am not experiencing alot of hunger as long as I continue to drink my lemonade at regular intervals. But cooking is an activity that soothes me and relaxes me so I have really missed the act of cooking for myself and others. I don't even necessarily want to eat what I cook, but I do love the sights, the sounds and the smells of food. I have found though that I do not want to be around people who are eating for long periods of time - nor do I want to smell the cooked food of others. There is an internal message in there somewhere that I need to tap into but I don't know what it is yet.

I am glad that I will start week two tomorrow and I don't know what the day will hold. My husband has said that he could do three weeks but next weekend is a large celebration for us as it is Resurrection Sunday for our faith. Part of the celebration normally included food, with different varieties and types. Can we celebrate our God quietly with meditation and introspection instead? I know that most of my friends are not even trying to answer that question on that day. But this is a good time to hear that inner voice and I will be listening, as we go forward with week two. Thanks for sticking with me...